This week of my 2015 Polymer clay challenge I decided to have a go at making a magnetic clasp. I’ve always had trouble with magnetic clasps pulling open. I figured that two magnets are strongest when you pull them directly apart as opposed to bending them open like a book or sliding them sideways. So I tried to come up with a design where you have to pull the pieces apart as there is no sideways movement available.
Magnetic clasp by Cate van Alphen
The two pieces are a bit like teeth with interlocking roots. There is a tiny magnet in the centre. Both pieces are the same.
Polymer clay clasp by Cate van Alphen
I’m pleased with how it looks, and it’s very satisfying to click the pieces together, but sadly I don’t think it’s strong enough to use as a clasp. It could be because there is still some scope to tilt the magnets apart, so maybe longer spikes would help? Or maybe the magnets are just too small? Maybe magnetic clasps just don’t work? 😦
Polymer clay clasp by Cate van Alphen
I need to let the idea simmer for a bit. In the meantime I’m struggling with my red colour palette. I thought I’d add a sixth colour to match the previous palettes, but now some of the colours are not sitting together well.
